The UK Covid-19 Inquiry publishes findings focused on how personal protective equipment (PPE) was procured during the pandemic. Multiple outlets report that the inquiry chair, Heather Hallett, concludes that of about £15 billion of PPE purchased, almost £10 billion was wasted. The report criticises procurement shortcomings including overbuying and the purchase of substandard or “useless” PPE, which it says left health and social care workers poorly protected.
The inquiry also highlights problems with the government’s emergency contracting system, including a “High Priority Lane” or “VIP lane” used to fast-track PPE contracts. Sources say the inquiry characterises this approach as embedding unfairness and as being driven by lack of readiness rather than deliberate ill intent, while also raising concerns about prioritising suppliers with political connections.
One chapter described by outlets as linked to PPE supplier Medpro Ltd is not published in full because of an ongoing restriction order tied to current criminal investigations. Further Covid inquiry reports are expected, including one focused on the care sector.
